Jan 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 1

In December 2023, I traveled to Hazen,
Arkansas to spend the day and
ride along with Bradley Taylor, the
city’s Chief of Police. Due to Hazen’s
featured role as one of the departments
on the highly popular REELZ
television program On Patrol Live,
Chief Taylor has quickly become a
celebrity figure of sorts, both locally
and nationally. His compassionate and
common-sense approach to policing
has captured the interest and praise
of those who regularly watch the
show.
It is also clear that Chief Taylor, age
46, is a hometown favorite as indicated
by the reception given to him
at the small, home style restaurant
where we agreed to meet. The Hurley
House Café in Hazen is a local hot
spot and gathering place for many
who have resided in this tiny town
their entire lives. As I waited for him
to arrive, I sat at his “designated” table
and observed him taking the time
to greet all the locals and catch up
on all the happenings around town.
From the moment we met to the time
I needed to leave, Chief Taylor remained
gracious, approachable, and
humorous, all with that distinctive
Arkansas accent.
The town of Hazen recalls the image
of a modern-day Mayberry, the fictional
community in the Andy Griffith
Show. But Hazen is unquestionably
real and thriving. Everyone knows
everybody here and of course, all
their business. According to the United
States Census Bureau, the city has
72 The Blues - January ‘24